In 19 appearances, Hoffman has a 2.53 ERA.
The Phillies' bullpen is on fire with 25⅓ consecutive scoreless innings. It's been the most consistent aspect of their team since opening day. Kimbrel, Jose Alvarado, Gregory Soto, Seranthony Dominguez when he's healthy, the versatile Matt Strahm, an emerging Yunior Marte, Hoffman, Andrew Vasquez with a 1.70 ERA — the Phils are deep in quality relievers.
Since the beginning of June, the Phillies have carried right-hander Dylan Covey as a “bulk reliever.” To his credit, he’s been fine. Four out of his six relief outings have been scoreless. The problem is that he’s been used six times over the last five weeks.
It’s inconceivable to think, especially since the Phillies have Andrew Bellatti, Connor Brogdon, and Luis Ortiz in Triple A, that they are happy with carrying a right-handed reliever that’s as seldom used as Covey. They have essentially been playing with 12 pitchers and mostly getting away with it.
This isn’t to excuse the front office’s questionable decision making regarding the final roster spot, but there may be something more to this. If the Phillies can tolerate carrying a pitcher averaging about a week between outings, there’s no reason why they can’t carry Rule 5 pick Noah Song through the end of the regular season.
Barring any other bullpen injuries, [Seranthony] should take Covey’s spot on the roster. If all are healthy and the bullpen is Alvarado, Strahm, Domínguez, Soto, Hoffman, Craig Kimbrel, and Andrew Vasquez once Song has to be activated, do the Phillies really want to send down Marte again in favor of Song?
